FLÂNEUSE:

DON’T LOOK AT ME

This thesis explores femininity and women’s bodies with a focus on the flâneuse, a term representing women’s longing to assume the role of the flâneur—a traditionally male figure who observes society while wandering through the city. The flâneuse encapsulates the experience of women in public spaces, where the desire to observe is often overshadowed by the reality of being observed. This disruption of agency and freedom underscores the persistent societal pressures placed on women.

The process begins with creating digital collages, which are then transformed into Polaroid emulsions. This technique adds depth and tactility, introducing a fragile and layered quality to the work that mirrors the themes explored. A key motif in the project is the red thread, symbolizing the intersection of domesticity, labor, and visibility. Sewing, often seen as traditional women’s work, reflects the unacknowledged and undervalued efforts historically expected of women. By incorporating this labor-intensive practice, the artist critiques the invisibility of such contributions while emphasizing their importance.

The imagery in these collages embodies the tension between autonomy and societal control, as well as the interplay between public and private spaces. Women’s experiences remain central, addressing how societal norms and the ever-present gaze disrupt their ability to move freely through the world.